tripod for HVX200 + Letus35fe

I would really really really recommend you think about a better tripod.

In the film business more than almost anywhere else in my experience, the expression you get what you pay for, is most assuredly true. Sometimes you can get some great value, but seriously a $200 tripod (and they throw in a spider dolly) is not something I would put an HVX, and 35 Adapter, lens, I'm assuming rods and also a follow focus on.

This tripod does not seem to have any kind of counterbalance mechanism, and when the PR for the company has a line such as

FM18 Fluid Video Head, provides rigid support for those who need strength more than versatility in height option
Click to expand...

You know this is not going to deliver smooth pans or tilts. It does not have any kind of balancing spring, so that means that if you let go of the tripod without locking it...well lets just say don't.

At the BARE minimum for a naked HVX without accessories, I would say a Bogen 501 head, or a Libec H-22. Though I think you need something like a 516 head, or an H-38 head.

Ideally you'd get something like a Satchler DV-4 or a Cartoni Focus (by far the price to performance winner when it comes to the HVX) . A good tripod is an investment that will last you well past any digital camera you purchase, yet most people only budget the bare minimum, or as an afterthought.
 
Not to jump in on this... but I'm selling a used bogen 516 tripod 3193 legs (spreader, carry bag) if you're looking for an affordable (and good) tripod.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...nfrotto_5163193_3193_Tripod_Legs_Chrome_.html

It lists for $1,175.95 and I’m asking $800 for it. Has served me well, but in an impulse moment I got a new one.

...I should probably just post this on the Marketplace... but I'm thinking I'll have to sell my FS-100 as well and struggling with that decision, which has left me frozen on the posting.

But anyway, PM me if interested.
 
I'll toss in my reccomendation for the h38 head. I've got one on miller solo sticks and its just fantastic and smooth as butter. Its a great head for the price.
 
i have this tripod. We used it alot during "Check" because of its size. Its alot smaller than a real tripod but can carry 18-22pounds. it has a pretty bad design. there are buttons in the way of each other. You can get ok pans. tilts i don't know about. It will get you through a emergency but its not a real tripod. I think it could make a cool backup.
 
Sorry if i have to start with a very low budget tripod, but i have to, but you convinced me, that tripod is very strange, so what's about this one?
Impact Tripod
 
someday said:
Sorry if i have to start with a very low budget tripod, but i have to, but you convinced me, that tripod is very strange, so what's about this one?
Impact Tripod
Click to expand...
I just looked at the specs for that tripod/head, and one thing that concerns me about it is that there is no balance plate, and the tilt and pan drag are not adjustable.
 
Having spent some time with it at NAB, I am very impressed with the new Sachtler FSB-6 (originally at NAB they just called it FS-6). On a 2 stage set of Sachtler sticks, you're looking around $1500.

Like I always say, it is easy to spend somebody else's money. But a good head is lot more than just something to put the camera on. There are issues of balance, drag, smoothness and durability.

With spending all of that money for HVX+accessories+35mm adapter, a good tripod and head should be seen as a component of the package. If you need it for day to day work, the investment is worth it. Or, consider renting for several gigs just to test the various models.

I wasn't terribly impressed with the new Manfrottos-- or Manfrotto in general. Vinten had a nice new offering in that price range, but there was just something about the Sachtler that I thought could help perfect a shot.

Ned Soltz
 
Hum, you all have been a great help for me. Instead of trashing 200$, it's better INVESTING some 1000-1500$. Thank you all for your professional point of view.
 
if u have a project right now, u could live with the pro vista for 6 months. that other tripod looks alt worse. but yeah if u can wait get a real one.
 
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